Frankie Knuckles 'Godfather of House Music' dies at 59

2 years ago

Frankie Knuckles, known as "The Godfather of House Music," has passed away at 59 years old. According to Billboard, Knuckles passed away from complications with diabetes.

The sad news was confirmed by fellow house DJs DJ Deeon and Paul Johnson.

The Bronx-born DJ rose to fame as part of the Chicago house music scene in the 1980s. He went on to work with superstars such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan. He won a Grammy in 1997 for Remixer of the Year, Non-Classical.

In 2004, the city of Chicago renamed a stretch of one of its streets "Frankie Knuckles Way" where the Warehouse Club once stood after the city declared August 25th, 2004 as Frankie Knuckles Day. This was all made possible by then-Illinois state senator and now President of the United States Barack Obama. The following year (2005) Frankie was inducted to the Dance Music Hall of Fame.

Knuckles is famous for his original productions like "Your Love" and "The Whistle Song."

Just recently, the house music legend played at the world famous Ministry of Sound in London.